Field Description

The program emphasizes basic mechanical sciences to prepare students for the diversity found at the frontiers of research and industrial development. The faculty is particularly strong and active in biomechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, thermal systems engineering, multiphase flows, energy and power systems, transport processes in microgravity, mechanical systems and design, control and robotics, dynamics and control of space structures, mechanics of materials and materials processing, materials microgravity sciences and computational mechanics.

The Ph.D. programs provide advanced levels of training suitable for students pursuing careers in research and development, education, or advanced engineering analysis and design. The field does not admit students into an M.S.-only degree program; applicants may apply for the Ph.D. program directly from a bachelor's degree. Doctoral degree candidates must take a qualifying examination in addition to the examinations required by the Graduate School. Teaching experience for two semesters, normally satisfied by a teaching assistantship, is required of Ph.D. students.

The professional degree of Master of Engineering (Mechanical) provides a one-year course of study for those who want to develop a high level of competence in current technology and engineering design and who plan to practice engineering in industry or professionally. The program has a thirty-credit curriculum and requires an engineering design project.

Biomechanical engineering: Analysis and design of biomechanical systems for orthopedic surgery; development of computer-aided design and analysis techniques for bone-implant systems; skeletal adaptation and bone structural behavior; mechanics and dynamics of human and animal motion and coordination.

Materials processing and precision engineering: Experiments and modeling of microstructure and damage evolution in metals; modeling, optimal design and robust control of deformation, solidification and crystal growth processes; computational mechanics.

Mechanical systems and design: Spatial and dynamical modeling and the use of models in analysis, design, and control; magnetic bearings; application of nonlinear dynamics and chaos to mechanical systems; guidance, estimation, and trajectory optimization; multi-variable robust control; dimensional tolerances and metrology; metatheories for design; design analysis of fluid film bearings; tribology.

Multiphase flows: Experimental circulating fluidization; impact of particles on other particles or solid boundaries; scale-up and heat transfer in fluidized beds; development of instrumentation for gas-solid suspensions; granular flows down inclines; theories and numerical simulations of collisional granular materials; microgravity experiments on the flow, heat transfer and segregation of collisional granular materials and gas-solid suspensions; development of instrumentation for the snow pack and snow avalanches; suspension theories; rheology of polymer melts; two-phase boiling.

Application:Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or the physical sciences. All applicants must submit GRE general test scores. Submission of GRE subject test scores in engineering, mathematics, or physics is strongly recommended. Admission is offered only for the fall semester, except in unusual cases. A field brochure is available on request from the graduate field office.

Mechanical Engineering

Faculty

Concentrations:Mechanical Engineering: fluid dynamics; thermal scienceResearch Interests: the development of a comprehensive understanding of the exchange rates of mass (e.g. water and C02), energy, and momentum between the land and atmosphere

Concentrations:Mechanical Engineering: biomedical mechanicsResearch Interests: Developing and applying novel experimental techniques to investigate this important interplay between cellular structure and function, with a particular emphasis on the cell nucleus.